Nature Trails Walking Tours

Duration: Full Day

The Seychelles is a tropical paradise, isolated from the rest of the world as a result of the fragmentation of the ancient Gondwanaland supercontinent millions of years ago. Located about 1,000 miles east of the African continent, in the middle of the Indian Ocean, this breathtaking archipelago comprises 115 islands, coral atolls and sandy cays. The Seychelles’ unique geology attracts an abundance of wildlife, both in and out of the water, and some of the world’s rarest species of flora and fauna thrive here. Rare native birds inhabit the main islands, and fascinating indigenous trees and plants can be found in tropical gardens and forests. Nature lovers will enjoy making their own discoveries during their holiday in the Seychelles, but as a starting point, there are many well-marked nature walks to choose from on a variety of beautiful granitic islands.

Walking is one of the best ways to see the beauty of the Seychelles, enabling you to travel at your own pace, stop for photos, admire the breathtaking scenery, and even find natural treasures that may otherwise have been missed. There are many islands to choose from whilst you are here, including Mahe, Praslin, Silhouette, Aride and La Digue. With a variety of different walking tours available, ranging from gentle coastal paths to the more physically demanding mountain hikes, there are nature walks suitable for every level of fitness. All tours will be accompanied by a local guide whom has a wealth of knowledge about the ecology of this fascinating archipelago.

Each island is a place of natural beauty, where you will discover rare wildlife species and spectacular landscapes comprising hills, mountains, ocean, lush vegetation, tropical forests and pristine white-sand beaches fringed by palm trees, crystalline turquoise waters and towering pink granite boulders. As you explore the islands, you will come across nature reserves such as Aride, which hosts one of the biggest and most important sea bird nesting sites in the Indian Ocean. See some of the world’s largest sea bird colonies here, including Lesser Noddies and Audubon's Shearwaters. Over a million birds nest on Aride, including five species which can only be found in the Seychelles. The soaring granite cliffs provide wonderful viewpoints of these colonies.

One of the most exciting nature walks can be found on Praslin, the second largest island in the Seychelles. The trail will lead you through the beautiful Vallée de Mai, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. This mysterious palm forest is believed by some to be the original Biblical earthly paradise, the “Garden of Eden”. The rare indigenous Coco de Mer palm grows naturally here, and rare endemic birds such as the Seychelles Black Parrot can also be spotted. Other popular nature walks will take you along challenging forest trails to hidden coves and remote beaches on the beautiful mountainous island of Silhouette. Rich in biodiversity, Silhouette is a vital habitat for rare and exotic indigenous trees, plants, birds, insects and reptiles, including giant turtles and many lizard species.

The nature trails in Morne Seychellois National Park on the main granitic island of Mahé are also a must. A combination of steep hiking trails and gentle footpaths will reveal spectacular flora and fauna, stunning landscapes of rainforests, mountains and hills, and the highest peak in Seychelles − the Morne Seychelles. If you want to explore paradise beaches, one of the world’s most beautiful beaches − Anse Source d'Argent – can be found on the tranquil island of La Digue. Also look out for the rare endemic Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher here.

Whichever islands you explore during your holiday in the Seychelles, the breathtaking nature walks will lead you to plenty of adventure, discovery and natural treasures.

Seychelles News

An agreement has been signed between the Seychelles Tourism Board and British Airways to launch new direct flights to the Seychelles next year. The two-year agreement will see the launch of twice-weekly non-stop flights to the Indian ocean nation from March 2018. The two companies will launch new marketing initiatives and promotional activities to highlight the idyllic country.

Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island will open to the public in spring 2018, and reservations are now open for stays starting from March. The hotel is launching a special Island Debut package to welcome its first holidaymakers with a 30 per cent discount on rooms and packages for bookings made before December, 2017. The resort sits in the Amirante Islands, a 35-minute flight from Male.

Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts has announced the appointment of Mr Fabrice Collot as the new General manager of the Banyan Tree Seychelles. Mr Collot joined the hotel group in 2007, and brings more than 27 years of experience in senior management positions to the new role. The French native will be responsible for overseeing the operations, administration and service standards at the hotel.